Regeneration sounds like a superpower, but some reptiles and amphibians are perfectly able to regrow entire parts of their bodies. In the Regeneration Biology simulation, you get to dissect axolotls and observe the cells responsible for the restoration of missing limbs under the microscope.

Grasp the cellular mechanisms behind tissue regeneration

You will join Dr. Prometheus in his research to learn why some wounds can regenerate and others cannot, and how it translates into different treatments in a medical ward. You will experiment with axolotls in the Regeneration Biology lab to discover the critical steps required for regeneration to occur and learn about the cellular particularities of the blastema.

Tissue analysis and fluorescent constructs

In the Regeneration Biology lab, you will be able to virtually dissect axolotls and observe the regeneration process in a few minutes instead of weeks. In that way, you can experiment with different conditions, for example suturing a wound, and immediately see how it affects the tissues – all without harming any real animals. Using a microscope, you will also analyze the tissue samples from a regenerating stump to identify the involved cell types. Finally, you will use fluorescent proteins to explore the concept of positional information and its importance in regenerative biology through the creation of mutant axolotls.

Apply the data from axolotls to humans

You will apply your newly acquired knowledge of regeneration biology to understand the current treatments for open wounds and the possibilities for the future of medicine.

Will you be able to figure out why humans cannot regenerate as well as some other vertebrates?